This is my nephew Evan. He once told me that he hated stupid people and that he was the Hero to Stupid people. Hate is a strong word, and we don’t advocate it in our family, so before you write me and tell me how wrong we are for finding Evan funny, remember he was two. You’re a big person, you still don’t know everything you need to know either. You can tell from his picture, being the Superhero to stupid people is exhausting work and he likely has many years of dealing with them ahead of him. Defend on little man…
James 3:12-14
James 3:12 struck me as funny this morning. It was a question that did not require an answer. “Can a fig tree, my brethren bear olive berries?” This was for me like God saying, “Are you stupid?” Read on… either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
And yet, good Christian people believe that church growth will come in the midst of strife. Before anyone thinks that my beloved Victory Baptist Church is in the midst of strife during our search for a new Pastor, WE ARE NOT. But I am very aware that we are human, and by no means exempt from turmoil; Satan would love to start a fight among us. That is why we talk about it, a lot; and pray about it more than that. And we realize that people are going to have differences of opinions. But God reigns. And He will help our decision for a new Pastor along through the Holy Spirit. And we’ll be fine. But in the meantime, the ministry cannot be stalled. We have work to do.
So, back to the figs and berries. Both are fruit bearing trees; both have purpose and bring forth fruit to the glory of God. But each tree to its own kind and in its own way. The same is true in the work of the Lord. As ministers of the gospel we all do ministry in varying ways. How dull would it be if everyone did it the same?! That precious seed that was created by the Master started a growth process and each fruit has a different transition from inception to completion; all of which bears witness to the Creator. Should not the children of God do the same?
I have no clue which came first the fig or the olive, but one thing is certain, God didn’t discard either. They had a different purpose, just like the body of Christ. The beauty is in the variety. As our church proceeds to choose a Pastor, we’re not replacing Mike Worf. He was an original. We’re choosing another man of God who will have a different flavor, a different look, but the seed that he sows will bear witness of our Creator. It’s an exciting time! I and my church covet your prayers
My 3 fold prayer:
Peace in the process
Patience in the pursuit
Passion in our purpose.